Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Albumin Utilization in Adult Cardiac Surgical Patients : A Multicentre Prospective Cohort Study

This study is looking at how a medicine called albumin is used during and after heart surgery for adults. Researchers also want to see how other fluids are given and what happens to patients afterwards. The study involves hospitals across Canada and aims to understand the different ways doctors use albumin and fluids, and how this might affect patients’ recovery. There's a need for a bigger study to find the very best way to use albumin, especially for patients who are at higher risk or having complex operations. This current study will help gather important information, like when and how much albumin is given, to design that future, larger study more effectively. It will help make sure that clinical trials focus on the most important questions for patient care.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

104

Start

11 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2026

Antithrombin III Levels Albumin Levels

What is this study about?

This study is focusing on heart surgery patients and a specific protein called albumin. Albumin is a natural protein found in your blood, and sometimes doctors give it as a medicine. They also give other fluids during and after surgery to help patients recover. The main goal is to understand exactly how doctors are currently using albumin and other fluids in different hospitals across Canada, and what happens to patients as a result.

Think of it like this: different hospitals might have slightly different ways of doing things, and this study wants to see those differences. This includes looking at when albumin is given (during surgery, in intensive care, or on the ward), how much is given, and for what reasons. Understanding these patterns is really important because it will help researchers figure out the best ways to care for patients undergoing heart surgery.

Ultimately, this research isn't a final answer, but a crucial step. The information gathered from this study will be used to design a much larger, more definitive study in the future. That bigger study would then try to find the very best way to use albumin and other blood products to help heart surgery patients recover as well as possible, especially those who might be at higher risk or having more complicated procedures. It's all about making sure patients get the most effective care.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on adult heart surgery patients.
It observes how a blood product called albumin is used during and after surgery.
The goal is to understand current medical practices across different hospitals.
No new treatments or procedures are involved; you receive standard care.
Information from this study will help plan better future research for heart surgery patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults aged 18 and over who are having heart surgery. This includes all types of heart surgery, whether or not a heart-lung machine is used to temporarily take over heart and lung function during the operation.

If you are an adult having heart surgery, you would generally be considered for this study.

However, if you are unable to give your permission to take part, or if you decide that you don't want to be involved, then you would not be included in the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having planned heart surgery?
Are you able to understand the study and give your permission to take part?
Do you want to participate in this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need to do anything extra or different from your usual hospital care. This is an 'observational' study, which means the researchers will simply be observing and recording the treatments you are already receiving as part of your standard heart surgery care. They will collect information about the fluids and medicines you are given, including albumin, and they will also monitor your recovery and health outcomes as usual. There are no extra visits, assessments, or medications involved; you will simply receive your regular medical care. The study will last for as long as you are typically in hospital and recovering from your heart surgery, as researchers are interested in your care during this period.

Potential risks and benefits

This study involves no direct risks to you because you will receive the same care you would normally get for your heart surgery. There are no new treatments or procedures involved. The potential benefits are not directly for you as an individual, but your participation will help doctors and researchers understand more about how best to treat future heart surgery patients. By collecting information about current practices, this study will help design better, larger studies in the future, which could improve care for many. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without explaining why, and this will not affect the quality of your medical care.

Locations (2)

Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Kingston, Canada
Toronto General Hospital - University Health Network
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is albumin?

Albumin is a natural protein found in your blood. Sometimes doctors give it as a medicine, often to help manage fluid levels in the body.

Will I get special treatment if I join this study?

No, you won't get any special treatment. You will receive the same medical care you would normally get for your heart surgery. The study just observes your usual care.

Why are researchers interested in albumin?

Researchers want to understand how and when albumin is used during heart surgery across different hospitals. This information will help them design better studies in the future to find the best ways to care for patients.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely your choice. If you don't want to participate, it will not affect your medical care in any way.

What happens to my information?

The researchers will collect information about your care, but this will be handled carefully and privately to protect your identity, following all privacy rules.